Bitcoin Blackmail Scheme Hits Darien Resident: Police

DARIEN, CT — A Darien resident was recently the victim of a Bitcoin blackmail scheme in which they received a threatening letter and were told to make payment in the digital currency or suffer the exposure of a "secret," according to Darien Police. The department is warning residents to be on the lookout for the scam.

"Please be advised that this is a scam," wrote Darien police in a statement. "If you have received one of these letters in the mail, do not send money. If funds are transferred in this format, they cannot be traced or recovered."

According to the department, the unnamed victim received a letter in the mail that specifically stated, "I know about the secret you are keeping from your wife. More importantly, I have evidence of what you are hiding."

The letter then demanded that the resident "payoff" the sender with Bitcoin, which is an online digital currency system, in order avoid exposure of the so-called "secret."

"The sender [gave] the recipient two options: Pay the $3,500.00 or ignore the letter and be exposed," wrote police. "Ignoring the letter will result in the 'evidence' being sent to the recipient's wife and her family and friends. The recipient's name appears in several places in the letter giving the appearance that the threat is authentic."

If you receive such a letter, ignore it, police said. "Investigation has determined that these letters are being sent from out of state and are not hand delivered. Residents of other towns in Connecticut and in Massachusetts have received letters of this type. If you have received one of these letters, it is not necessary to contact the Police Department."

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